AIA Fellows are recognized with the AIA’s highest membership honor for their exceptional work and contributions to architecture and society. The prestige of FAIA after your name is unparalleled and the judging is rigorous.

Architects who have made significant contributions to the profession and society and who exemplify architectural excellence can become a member of the AIA College of Fellows. Only 3 percent of the AIA members have this distinction.

Criteria

AIA architect members who have been in good standing for at least 10 years may be nominated.

Nominees must have completed 10 cumulative years as an AIA architect member prior to the nomination deadline.

If uncertainties exist about the period of membership, and after consulting with the local chapter, please contact Membership History to verify the candidate's eligibility prior to preparing the submission.

Objects of Nomination

Fellowship in this category is granted to architects who have produced distinguished bodies of work through design, urban design, or preservation. This may be accomplished through individual or organizational effort. Works submitted may be of any size for any client, of any scope and reflecting any type of architectural design service.

Object Two: "To advance the science and art of planning and building by advancing the standards of architectural education, training, and practice." Education, Research, Literature, or Practice (with the option of a subcategory of Management or Technical Advancement)

Fellowship in this category is granted to architects who have made notable contributions through their work in education, research, literature, or the practice of architecture. Work in education may be teaching, research, administration, or writing and should have a lasting impact, be widely recognized, and provide inspiration to others in the field and the profession. Research areas may include building codes and standards, specifications, new material applications, or inventions. Practice includes firm management, administration, and project management or specialty areas (specific building types, technical expertise).

Object Three: "To coordinate the building industry, and the profession of architecture." Led the Institute, Led a Related Organization

Fellowship in this category is granted to architects who have actively, efficiently, and cooperatively led the Institute or a related professional organization over a sustained period of time and have gained widespread recognition for the results of their work.

Object Four: "To ensure the advancement of the living standards of people through their improved environment." Public Service, Government, Industry, or Organization

Fellowship in this category is granted to architects who have made notable contributions in public service or work in government or industry organizations through leadership in the development of civic improvements and needed governmental projects, including such elements as conservation, beautification, land-use regulation, transportation, or the removal of blighted areas, or who have clearly raised the standards of professional performance in these areas by advancing the administration of professional affairs in their fields.

Object Five: "To make the profession of ever-increasing service to society." Alternative Career, Volunteer Work with Organizations Not Directly Connected with the Built Environment, or Service to Society

Fellowship in this category is granted to architects who have made notable contributions to the public through alternative careers or volunteer work with organizations not directly connected to the built environment. Achievements may also be of a kind that transcends the other categories for advancement to serve society or humanity in a unique and important manner.